Land tenure shapes black bear density and abundance on a multi-use landscape.

ABSTRACT: Global biodiversity is decreasing rapidly. Parks and protected lands, while designed to conserve wildlife, often cannot provide the habitat protection needed for wide-ranging animals such as the American black bear (Ursus americanus). Conversely, private lands are often working landscapes (e.g., farming) that have high human footprints relative to protected lands. In southwestern Alberta, road densities are highest on private lands and black bears can be hunted year-round. On protected lands, road densities are lowest, and hunting is prohibited. On public lands under the jurisdiction of the provincial government (Crown lands), seasonal hunting is permitted. Population estimates are needed to calculate sustainable harvest levels and to monitor population trends. In our study area, th

SUBMITTER: Loosen AE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6342132 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature